Bandage and Second Skin Allergy: What You Need to Know

After your tattoo session, your artist will apply a protective bandage or second skin to safeguard your new tattoo during the initial healing phase. While these products are designed to be safe and gentle, some clients may experience allergic reactions or sensitivities.

Common Symptoms of Allergy or Sensitivity

• Redness or rash around the bandaged area

• Itching or burning sensation

• Swelling beyond the normal healing process

• Blistering or peeling of the skin under the bandage
  

How to Proceed if You Experience an Allergy:

1. Remove the Bandage Immediately: Gently remove the bandage or second skin as soon as you notice any signs of an allergic reaction.

2. Clean the Area: Wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, mild soap. Pat dry with a clean towel.

3. Avoid Scratching or Irritating: Do not scratch or pick at the affected area, as this can cause further irritation or infection.

4. Apply a Hypoallergenic Moisturizer: Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or ointment to soothe the skin.

5. Seek Medical Advice: You may take over-the-counter medication for allergy (Claritin, Allegra). If symptoms persist, worsen, or if you experience severe swelling or blistering, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

6. Notify Your Tattoo Artist: Inform your artist about your reaction. This helps us recommend alternative aftercare products and adjust future sessions accordingly.
   

Prevention Tips:

• If you have a known allergy to band-aid, adhesive or over sensitive skin, please disclose this during your consultation.

• Request hypoallergenic or alternative bandaging options before your session.

• Follow aftercare instructions carefully to minimize risks.
  

Your comfort and safety are paramount. If you have any questions or concerns about aftercare or allergic reactions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your tattoo artist for guidance.

Excessive aftercare for a tattoo, specifically over-moisturizing, can hinder the healing process by creating a breeding ground for bacteria and potentially leading to inflammation and breakouts. Applying too much cream, petroleum-based or heavy oils (coconut oil) can also clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing, which is essential for proper healing. It can also result in a faded-looking healed tattoo.

Signs of an over-moisturized tattoo:

• Inflamed skin: Excessive moisture can irritate the skin, causing redness and swelling.

• Clogged pores: Too much moisturizer can clog pores, leading to breakouts and hindering the skin's ability to breathe.

• Choppy or rough appearance: The tattoo may look uneven or sunken in areas where too much moisturizer has been applied.

• Darker, overworked areas: In some cases, areas with excessive moisture may appear darker, potentially due to inflammation or clogged pores.

To avoid over-moisturizing:

• Follow your tattoo artist's instructions: They will provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your tattoo and skin type.

• Apply a thin layer of moisturizer: Only a small amount of moisturizer is needed to keep the tattoo hydrated.

• Avoid over-saturation: Ensure the moisturizer is fully absorbed and that there is no excess product sitting on the skin.

• Consider using a non-comedogenic product: These products are less likely to clog pores.

• Be mindful of the frequency: Applying moisturizer more than a few times a day can be excessive.

• Listen to your skin: If your tattoo looks or feels overly moisturized, reduce the frequency of application or switch to a lighter moisturizer.

If you've already over-moisturized:

• Stop applying moisturizer immediately: Allow the tattoo to dry out naturally.

• Gently pat away excess moisture: Use a clean paper towel to remove any excess product.

• Resume moisturizing in moderation: Once the skin has returned to a normal state, you can resume moisturizing, but only apply a thin layer a couple of times a day.

Important Considerations:

• Seek professional advice: If you are concerned about your tattoo healing process, consult with your tattoo artist or a dermatologist.

• Maintain cleanliness: Always ensure the area is clean before applying any product.

• Avoid picking or scratching: Do not pick at any scabs or peeling skin, as this can delay healing and potentially cause scarring.

In the wet healing method of tattoos, aftercare moisturization is crucial for it to heal, but applying too much aftercare product or soap is equally as damaging to how the tattoo heals as doing nothing.

Over-moisturization is often the hidden cause of infection as people try to do too much to either speed up the healing rate or by thinking the ugly part of the healing process can be stopped by lotion, salve, or ointment.

Take care, apply lotion in a thin layer at regular intervals, but allow it plenty of time to work before putting on another layer.

​

Don't worry!

accumulating fluids/ink inside the bandage of your tattoo is completely normal, this is the nature of our bodies, in case that happens just gently dab paper towel around your bandage in order to absorb the fluid that might leak. If you bandage didn't peel during this process there is no need to remove it yet.

In this case remove it completely and start your aftercare, rinse your tattoo in lukewarm water with unscented soap, dry afterwards with a paper towel and JUST apply the cream after 24h hours of getting your tattoo done.

One of the most common side effects of a tattoo is an allergic reaction to tattoo pigment. Allergic reactions to red tattoo pigments happen most often.

If you're having an allergic reaction to your tattoo, you might get a rash that's red, bumpy, or itchy. These symptoms can crop up in the days after you first get your tattoo or can appear months or years later. You can most likely treat the area with a steroid ointment.

Another cause for itching and swelling is an autoimmune disorder called sarcoidosis. It can show up decades after you get your tattoo. (Fun fact: Since I have a very sensitive skin, even after multiple tattoos I have this disorder, which often happens on me on my large scale and deeper tattoos, mostly on my arms. It also tends to go always by itself and to be triggered by oily and fat/fast food).

And although it’s not directly caused by the ink, when it shows up in the skin, it tends to show up on the tattoo. A cream you apply to your skin should help ease your symptoms. But if your case is severe, you might need an immunosuppressant medication from your doctor.

If you have eczema or psoriasis, there’s a chance your new tattoo can cause flare-ups of your condition, including bumps, itching, and rash.

If you're having an allergic reaction to your tattoo, you might get a rash that's red, bumpy, or itchy. These symptoms can crop up in the days after you first get your tattoo or can appear months or years later. You can most likely treat the area with a steroid ointment.

Tattoo pimples can develop when a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil, dirt, or skin cells. Most tattoo pimples will clear up without causing permanent damage or color loss. However, picking or popping a pimple can lead to skin infections and patches of faded ink.

Using some medicated products, like Neosporin and Bacitracin could cause the body to reject it or heal too quickly, creating an allergic reaction that could involve a significant rash or series of tiny red dots.

Some medicated ointment’s properties have an adverse effect on tattoos. The patch of skin that has been ‘traumatized’ by several needles pricking it over and over needs oxygen with a thin layer of moisturization in order to heal the best way possible. If you notice tiny red dots you could be having a small reaction or your skin needs to breathe.

Touching, picking, scratching or rubbing

​

By the time you reach the end of your first week after getting a fresh tattoo is when you’ll see the most tattoo scabbing and peeling.

If you mess up during this phase of the process, you could pull out the ink and leave scars, tattoo discoloration, or also prompt infection.

On completion of your fresh tattoo it gets wrapped in a bandage suitable for protecting fresh wounds. Depending on the type of bandage, the type of aftercare approach you’ll be taking through the healing process, and the instructions from your tattoo artist this bandage will be removed anywhere from 3 – 24 hours after the ink is finished and you’re out of the chair.

Once it’s taken off, avoid re-applying a new bandage. It will be counterproductive to wrap the tattoo again, it needs to be able to breathe and for moisturization to occur at a different rate.

Direct exposure to sunlight while your new tattoo knits and heals can be detrimental to both your skin and the tattoo ink. DO NOT apply sunscreen on your freshly done tattoo, wait at least 30 days.

You can get your tattoo wet during the tattoo aftercare process, but make sure you don’t soak in water of any type for at least three weeks or until the tattoo heals in full.

​

Water entering the tattoo wound can interfere with the healing process itself or cause infection to the tattooed area. This would increase the time the tattoo needs for healing – or necessitate the ink being fixed or treated – and can punish the ink and tissue underneath.

Swimming pools contain chemicals, and a lot of people use them. The substances carried by chlorinated water and the people who swim in them are not suitable for the wound and can lead to significant consequences.

​

The risk of infection is also prevalent in natural water bodies – both salt and fresh – due to bacteria and other contaminants in the water. A person should refrain from entering them after having a fresh tattoo done for the same period as they would a chlorine-based swimming pool.

​

Some degree of sweating is to be expected. However, sweating too much is not good for the first weeks after getting inked. Avoid participating in heavy sweating activities or gym sessions until at least the second round of layered tattoo peeling is complete.

Gyms, sauna, and activities such as hot yoga can expose your tattoo to bacteria, while running and wearing tight active wear clothing can stretch and chafe your tattoo.

Your tattoo is essentially an open wound, and like any wound, it can become infected if not cared for properly. That’s why choosing a trusted artist and a hygienic studio is just as important as following proper aftercare at home.

Common Causes of Tattoo Infections

1. Allergic Reactions Some people react negatively to tattoo pigments, especially red dyes. Reactions may include swelling, rashes, and skin damage. These are allergic responses—not infections—but they can compromise your skin and increase your risk of infection.

2. Dirty Tools or Poor Studio Hygiene Infections can occur if your tattoo artist uses nonsterile tools. Reused or improperly handled needles and cartridges can transmit bacterial infections like staph or impetigo. To reduce risk:

• Make sure your artist uses sealed, disposable equipment.

• Ask if they have a Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) certificate or equivalent hygiene training.

3. Harmful Ink Ingredients Some tattoo inks may contain unsafe additives or contaminants, such as:

• Animal-based products (gelatin, glycerin)

• Industrial pigments (meant for textiles, printers, or car paint)

• Metal salts and pH-altering chemicals

These can irritate the skin or lead to infection if your immune system reacts poorly. Make sure your artist works with renowned trustworthy brands in the industry.

Infections After the Tattoo Session

Even if your tattoo was done in a sterile environment, infection can still happen during healing—especially in warm, humid, or dirty conditions.

4. Sweat and Heat Excess sweating, particularly in hot environments or during workouts, can trap bacteria against your skin. Sweat-soaked clothes rubbing against your healing tattoo (like waistbands, bras, or sleeves) can irritate the area and introduce germs.

5. Contaminated Surfaces and Items Avoid contact between your fresh tattoo and anything that could be dirty or unhygienic:

• Used towels

• Dirty bed sheets or clothing

• Animal hair (especially from pets sleeping in your bed)

• Gym equipment

• Shared blankets or couches

Bottom Line

To protect your tattoo from infection:

• Keep the area clean and dry

• Avoid sweating excessively or wearing tight/synthetic fabrics over the area

• Wash your hands before touching your tattoo

• Sleep on clean sheets and avoid contact with pets

• Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions closely

When in doubt, reach out to your artist or consult a healthcare professional—especially if you notice signs like redness spreading, pus, fever, or a foul smell.

What is a Staph Infection?

Staph (Staphylococcus aureus) is a common bacteria that lives on our skin. If it gets into a healing tattoo, it can cause serious infection.

Symptoms:

• Red, hot, and swollen skin

• Pain that gets worse instead of better

• Pus, yellow or green discharge

• Fever, chills, or fatigue in severe cases What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection, often caused by staph or strep bacteria. It spreads easily through contact or dirty items (towels, sheets, etc.).

Symptoms:

• Itchy red blisters or sores

• Golden-yellow crust forming over the tattoo

• Small spots that spread to nearby areas What Can Look Like an Infection (But Might Not Be):

1. Normal Healing Inflammation

• Redness and slight swelling in the first few days is normal.

• A thin layer of plasma, lymph fluid, or even some clear/white fluid may appear.

1. Allergic Reactions to Ink

• Red ink is a common trigger.

• May cause itchiness, bumps, or raised areas that aren’t infected.

1. Contact Dermatitis

• Caused by fragrance, soaps, aftercare creams, or adhesives.

• Red, itchy rash that appears where the product touched the skin.

1. Heat Rash / Sweat Pimples

• Common in summer or under tight clothes.

• Tiny red bumps, usually not painful or spreading.
  

If your tattoo is infected, you may notice signs in the area where you got the tattoo. Sometimes you'll see them only within certain colors in the tattoo. Symptoms can include:

• Redness

• Swelling

• Bumps on or under your skin that may contain pus

• Hotness in the area

• Pain or tenderness

• Fever and chills

• Itchiness

• Tender, swollen lymph nodes

Types of Infections

Most often, tattoo infections are bacterial skin infections like staphylococcus. You pick them up from unsterile conditions during or after the tattoo procedure or from contaminated equipment. It's uncommon, but you could also get a serious infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

In rare cases, dirty tattoo equipment can pass on serious viral infections like HIV or hepatitis. Which is important to know if your artist has Bloodborne Pathogen training (BBP).

Before you get a tattoo, make sure you have current hepatitis and tetanus vaccines.

Depending on the what caused your infection and how serious it is, you might need to take one or more antibiotics for up to 6 weeks. Or your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic ointment.

If you have a very serious infection, you might need to get antibiotics through an IV. If antibiotics don’t work, you might need surgery to remove some skin in the affected area.

If your infection isn't serious, you'll likely make a full recovery. Sometimes it can take a few months, though.

Keloid scarring. A keloid (raised scar) can form anywhere you have trauma to your skin, like a tattoo. If you're prone to keloids, ask your tattoo artist to try a small test spot before you get a tattoo. This may give you an idea of how your skin will react. But keep in mind that it can take months for a keloid to form.

If your skin starts to thicken after you get a tattoo, ask your dermatologist about a pressure garment. These may help stop a keloid from forming. MRI complications. It's rare, but tattoos can sometimes cause swelling or burning later on when your doctor gives you an MRI scan. Or they might keep your doctor from getting a good image with an MRI. Before you get an MRI, tell your doctor you have a tattoo. Conceals skin cancer. If you have dark tattoos over large areas of your body, it could keep you from noticing symptoms of skin cancer. Discolored spots on your skin are among the earliest signs. Never get a tattoo over a mole, birthmark, or other discolored area on your skin.

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your tattoo heals beautifully and remains vibrant for years to come. Using the wrong products or methods can lead to complications, infections, or fading.

Why Improper Aftercare is Risky

• Infection: Not keeping the tattoo clean or using harsh or unsuitable products can lead to bacterial infections.

• Fading and Damage: Using oils, creams, or ointments that clog pores or don’t allow the skin to breathe may cause ink to fade or the skin to become irritated.

• Scarring: Scratching, picking, or applying irritants can damage the delicate skin and affect the tattoo’s appearance.
  

The Risk of Using Natural Oils and Petroleum-Based Products on Tattoos

While natural oils might seem gentle and healing, some oils are comedogenic (pore-clogging) or contain allergens that can irritate freshly tattooed skin. Oils like coconut or olive oil can trap bacteria or moisture, increasing the risk of infection or prolonged healing times.

Similarly, petroleum-based products (such as Vaseline or petroleum jelly) are not recommended during tattoo healing because they create a heavy barrier that traps moisture and bacteria. This can suffocate the skin, slow the healing process, and increase the risk of infection or ink loss.

Unless specifically recommended by your tattoo artist or dermatologist, avoid applying natural oils or petroleum-based products during the initial healing phase.

Natural Herbs and Medicinal Remedies That May Help Heal

Some natural remedies and medicated products are known for their soothing and healing properties and can be safe when used properly:

• Aloe Vera: Pure aloe vera gel can soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation.

• Calendula: Often used in ointments, calendula has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (Consult the nurse line or doctor before using it).

• Vitamin E: When used after the initial healing phase, vitamin E may help with skin repair, but should be avoided on open wounds.

• Tattoo Aftercare Products: Specialized ointments and balms formulated for tattoo healing, free from fragrances and harsh chemicals, provide optimal care.

Always Consult Your Tattoo Artist or Healthcare Professional

Before applying any natural or medicated products, discuss them with your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and suitable for your specific tattoo and skin type.